Update: Phone and internet networks disrupted in Tigray as renewed war hits civilian life

Phone and internet networks were widely disrupted across Ethiopia's Tigray region on September 25, hampering mobile payments as residents rushed to buy supplies and withdraw cash. NetBlocks and Reuters calling tests confirmed the disruption; accounts of who ordered the shutdown conflict.

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September 25 update: internet monitor NetBlocks confirmed an internet disruption in Tigray. Calls by Reuters reporters to Ethio telecom numbers did not go through, while Safaricom customers had limited connectivity. Residents in Mekelle said the state-owned network stopped working late Thursday, also cutting access to mobile money transfers.

Four people familiar with the matter, including a diplomatic source, told Reuters the TPLF had ordered the two telecom operators to cut phone and internet access. A source close to the TPLF denied responsibility and blamed the federal government. The TPLF, prime minister's office, Ethio telecom and Safaricom did not formally respond, so N Globe does not treat responsibility as established.

Residents told Reuters that the fighting prompted panic-buying and cash withdrawals, emptying some shop shelves. A resident of Maichew said armed personnel were going door to door looking for young people to join the war effort and that he was hiding at home. That forced-recruitment allegation is a single resident account tied to a named town and is not confirmed by officials or an independent organisation.

The TPLF-led regional government had declared on September 23 that its forces entered a 'defensive war' against federal troops. Reuters previously cited four differently placed sources confirming fighting in Tigray, Afar and Amhara; the federal government has not publicly answered the regional government's declaration.

Reuters cited a senior Ethiopian government official, a diplomatic source, a humanitarian source, and a source linked to the TPLF and an allied militia as confirming fighting in Tigray, Afar and Amhara. The sources said Tigrayan forces were fighting alongside a local armed group in Afar and the Fano militia in Amhara.

State-owned Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to Mekelle, Shire and Axum. The 2020-2022 Tigray war killed hundreds of thousands; the latest fighting has shattered nearly four years of fragile peace, while casualties and front-line control remain unknown.

Verification status: corrected/updated. NetBlocks, Reuters calling tests and resident accounts confirm the communications disruption, while responsibility remains disputed. The regional government has formally declared a 'defensive war' and four differently placed sources confirm fighting in three regions. News value: S. Origin: Tigray, Ethiopia. Primary section: War/military and security. Related regions: Africa, Middle East, Europe and worldwide. Latest source update: September 25, 2026. N Globe update time: September 25, 2026, 11:59 UTC. N Globe editorial illustration.

This report is an original summary based on verified sources, not a verbatim reproduction.